Suspended jail terms for bus drivers in Castille incident

Three bus drivers have been given suspended jail terms after admitting to disobeying police orders during the infamous public transport strike of 2008 when they charged up the steps of the Prime Minister’s office.

Paul Vella, 48, from Għargħur, Jason Vella, 35 from Ħamrun and Johann Spiteri, 28, from Birkirkara, admitted to having formed part of a group with the intent to commit a crime and disobeying police orders.

Mr Spiteri alone pleaded guilty to slightly injuring a policeman during the same incident.

The men formed part of a large group of bus, taxi and mini bus drivers who stormed up Ġlormu Cassar Avenue in Valletta after the police ordered them to remove vehicles blocking the road around the War Memorial in Floriana.

Their demonstration culminated in a number of drivers running up the steps of the Auberge de Castille while shouting obscenities at the government, the Prime Minister and his family.

A number of men made it to the main door, which was shut, and kicked it.

Paul and Jason Vella were each jailed for 18 months suspended for three years and fined €400 while Mr Spiteri received a 20-month jail term suspended for three years as well as a similar fine.